The intriguing and poignant tale of Queen Elizabeth II’s two “secret” cousins, Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon, unfolds as a testament to the complexities and shadows that sometimes linger within royal histories. Born into the esteemed Bowes-Lyon family, their lives were veiled from public view due to their profound intellectual disabilities. Yet, their connection to the monarchy adds layers of fascination and poignancy to their story.
Nerissa, born in 1919, and Katherine, born in 1926, shared a familial lineage with Queen Elizabeth II and her sister, Princess Margaret. Their father, John Herbery Bowes-Lyon, was the brother of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who later became the Queen Mother. This familial tie placed Nerissa and Katherine within the inner circles of royalty, albeit in obscurity due to their condition.
The revelation of their existence and subsequent treatment came to light in a series of startling events. Initially, in 1963, a publication known as Burke’s Peerage indicated that Nerissa had passed away in 1940, followed by Katherine’s supposed demise in 1961.
However, the truth emerged in 1987 when it was uncovered that Katherine was still alive, and Nerissa had, in fact, passed away in 1986. This revelation thrust their story into the public eye, prompting a reevaluation of their lives and the circumstances surrounding them.
Nerissa and Katherine’s existence was shrouded in solitude and neglect. Afflicted by severe learning disabilities, they were confined to Earlwood Hospital, where they lived a life devoid of the joys and comforts often associated with family ties. Nurses at the hospital revealed that they never received gifts, cards, or visits from any members of the royal family.
This stark reality stood in stark contrast to the royal family’s public image, particularly given the Queen Mother’s patronage of charities supporting individuals with learning difficulties.
The indignities faced by Nerissa and Katherine extended beyond their lifetime. Following Nerissa’s passing in 1986, her grave was initially marked only by a plastic tag and serial number, a stark symbol of the anonymity that had shrouded her existence.
It was only upon the revelation of her identity to the public that she received a proper headstone, a belated recognition of her connection to royalty. Yet, even in death, no member of the royal family attended her funeral, underscoring the profound estrangement that marked their relationship.
Similarly, when Katherine passed away in 2014, it is believed that her funeral also went unattended by any member of the royal family. The absence of royal acknowledgment served as a poignant reminder of the enduring silence that surrounded Nerissa and Katherine throughout their lives.
The tale of Nerissa and Katherine Bowes-Lyon serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and shadows that can permeate even the most illustrious of family histories. Despite their royal lineage, they lived lives marked by seclusion and neglect, their disabilities relegating them to the periphery of society. Their story prompts reflection on themes of inclusion, compassion, and the enduring legacy of familial bonds, even in the face of adversity.
In uncovering the hidden chapters of Nerissa and Katherine’s lives, we are compelled to confront uncomfortable truths about societal attitudes towards disability and the responsibilities of privilege. Their tale serves as a poignant reminder that behind the grandeur of royalty lies a humanity marked by frailty and vulnerability.
And in remembering Nerissa and Katherine, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, dignity, and the pursuit of justice for all members of society, regardless of circumstance.